2001 Ford Excursion Limited on 2040-cars

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Ford C-Max Solar Energi takes a recharging station wherever it goes

Companies ranging in size from small startups to major automakers have been experimenting with solar-powered charging stations for EVs and plug-in hybrids. And, of course, people have been powering vehicles with onboard solar panels for quite some time, too. Still, Ford's new C-Max Solar Energi Concept shows the promise of a truly practical implementation of solar on a production vehicle, and it may not be as far off in the future as we had thought.
As we reported a few days ago, the Solar concept makes use of a "concentrator lens" that focuses sunlight onto the Ford's roof-mounted solar panels. The special lens follows the rays of the sun to maximize the amount of charge being fed to the batteries of the car, taking about a day to fully charge the 21-mile, all-electric range of the C-Max Energi. Ford data suggests that combination might be enough to power 75 percent of all trips made by a statistically average driver. In turn, using the sun to power a vehicle could reduce yearly C02 emissions by up to four metric tons when compared with the driver of an average gasoline-powered sedan.
We've got live images of the C-Max Solar Energi Concept, jauntily tilted on its display to best present it's signature solar panels, straight from the CES floor.

Is this the 2017 Ford Fusion?

Thanks to the sharp eyes of an anonymous tipster, you're looking at what may very well be the 2017 Ford Fusion. We know Ford's midsize sedan is in line for a makeover, and judging by the spy shots we've already seen, the somewhat blurry photo above matches what we're expecting to see. Styling updates won't be major, which is probably wise considering how well-received the current car's overall look was when it debuted as a 2013 model. The most immediately obvious styling tweak is a more taut fascia, with a grille that's pulled wider and pointier than the current Fusion. A shapely pair of headlights flank that new grille, and at the lower corners, angular new blades that may or may not house driving lights are new decorations to the Fusion's face. We don't see any changes to the car's bodysides, and with just one angle to dissect, we'll just have to guess at what the next Fusion will look like from the rear. Take a good look at the image above and let us know what you think. Is this indeed the 2017 Ford Fusion, and if so, is it a step in the right direction? Related Video: News Source: Ford (PDF link) Design/Style Ford Sedan

Ford 1.0L takes third-straight International Engine of the Year award

Ford's 1.0-liter EcoBoost is proving to be The Little Engine That Could, and it continues to acquit itself well, finding favor as one of the best powerplants in the world. To confirm it yet again, the tiny mill just won the International Engine of the Year award for the third year in a row, likewise also nabbing the title in the Sub 1.0-liter category.
Packing 123 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque with overboost (125 lb-ft normally), the tiny engine combines impressive power in a size small enough to be a carry-on item for a commercial flight. US buyers only got a taste of the award winner in the 2014 Fiesta, while the 1.0 EcoBoost has been available throughout the Ford lineup in Europe for a few years now. American sales have reportedly been strong, however, and next up in the US, the mill will find its way into the 2015 Focus.
The panel of 82 jury members from 34 countries also named the Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter turbo found in the A45, CLA45 and GLA45 AMG models with 355 hp and 332 lb-ft as the best New Engine for 2014. The electric powertrain from Tesla won Green Engine prize, and the 4.5-liter V8 from the Ferrari 458 Italia took home the honor of top Performance Engine yet again. You can check out all the winners below, and scroll down further to read Ford's celebratory announcement of its award.